Timeline
16:00
Grab a bowl of tenjin soba, a soy sauce-based ramen with boiled pork, at Tenjin Soba. It is a quick, hearty meal that fits perfectly before the evening chill sets in.
16:15
Take the Ryobi Bus from Tenmaya Bus Station to the Sogenji-mae stop. Arrive at Sogen-ji, a large Zen temple at the base of Mt. Misaoyama. The garden behind the temple is famous for its large cherry blossom trees and a lake that beautifully reflects the sky.
17:15
Watch the sun set toward the WSW. The golden light starting around 16:38 will illuminate the temple grounds and the lake, creating a serene atmosphere as the day ends.
Local tip
Sogen-ji is open from 06:00 to 17:00. Since sunset is at 17:15, you will need to check if the temple grounds remain accessible for viewing after closing hours or plan to view the sky from the approach. Tenjin Soba closes at 16:40 on weekdays, so ensure you finish your meal with enough time to catch the bus.
Check before you go
- Sogen-ji opening hours are 06:00-17:00. Sunset is at 17:15. Verify if the temple allows visitors to stay for sunset or if you should view from the exterior path.
- Tenjin Soba is closed at 16:40 on weekdays (Mo-Fr). Plan your meal to finish well before the sunset moment.
Worth knowing
- Tenjin Soba is open at 16:00 only on Mo, Tu, We, Th, Fr
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Okayama (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).